Port St Mary joins southern region's shared housing list

Applicants for public sector housing now have more choice on where they can find a home following a resolution by Port St Mary Commissioners to join the southern region waiting list.

Joining the shared list, which is supported by all other Local Authorities in the south of the Island, means that applicants no longer need to apply to Port St Mary Commissioners if they wish to live in the village.

The shared list now offers applicants the opportunity to choose from properties across the south in Arbory, Castletown, Malew, Port Erin, Rushen, Santon and Port St Mary.

Chair of Port St Mary Commissioners, Dr Michelle Heywood said:

‘The board has decided to join the shared housing waiting list for the southern region as one of the main functions of the Local Authority is to provide social housing to those most in need.

‘The shared list provides the greatest opportunity to get people in need into reasonably priced, well-maintained accommodation as quickly as possible. It also offers people on the waiting list more areas of choice, and broadens the horizons for those already on the waiting list for Port St Mary.’

Existing applicants will be contacted and informed that Port St Mary have joined the list. New applicants should apply directly to the southern region housing waiting list by picking up an application form from their nearest local authority offices or from the Housing section of the Department of Infrastructure at Markwell House in Douglas. Forms are also available online at gov.im

Julie Edge MHK, Member with responsibility for Public Estates and Housing, said:

‘This is excellent news for both applicants on Port St Mary’s list who might wish to live further afield, and those in the southern region who may now be offered a property in the village.

‘The fact that so many applicants are choosing 'anywhere in the southern region' as their first choice demonstrates that the shared list principle is working, and I welcome Port St Mary joining the initiative.’

Shared list pilot schemes in the east and north were made permanent earlier this year, following the successful example set by the south where a shared list was established in April 2017.

In addition to using shared lists, Local Authorities make allocations using a standardised process. This has resulted in vacant properties being filled faster and greater consistency with regard to allocations and lettings.